Humans and orchids have a long and storied history. Confucius first wrote about them in 500 B.C.E. Over the millennia, orchids have found their beautiful place in society. Learn about highlights, including the Vanilla orchid, Darwin’s orchid, ghost orchid (below), and the first ladies Cattleya orchids. This relaxing, interesting Smithsonian online talk on September 30 focuses on the sometimes unexpected presence of orchids throughout history. The instructor is Barbara Schmidt. $25 for Smithsonian Associates members, $30 general admission. Register at https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/famous-orchids-in-history
Pierre du Pont started Longwood Gardens’ native orchid collection in 1923 when he brought in Galearis spectabilis, an orchid that’s native to Pennsylvania. It’s one of several orchids that still grow on the Longwood property. This class not only takes you on a tour of Longwood’s native orchids but also shows you how this simple orchid purchase blossomed into a world-renowned conservation, plant breeding, and collections project.
This studio arts program is a Zoom Meeting to allow for patron and instructor interaction online.
All Studio Arts programs require an online ticket for each participant so that the instructor can provide individual attention to every student registered for the online program.
This program will be recorded. Please see our FAQ for recording terms and conditions.
Please refer to the “Materials for this program” section for any applicable supply list information and/or special documents for this program.
Take a break from the stress of the holiday season to enjoy an entertaining and informative afternoon with an orchid expert and come away with an elegant holiday present to give to that special someone on your list or to keep all to yourself.
In a relaxed and convivial session, participants will learn about many aspects of the beloved flower and our endless fascination with it. Orchid history, origins, trivia, fun facts, and basic care instructions are among the topics covered.
In a hands-on activity, all participants create their own “holiday orchid centerpiece”. A supply list is provided which gives ideas for orchid genera, containers and decorations. Detailed instructions on creating the centerpiece will be given at the end of the class. Also provided is a fun holiday orchid trivia quiz for you to look at ahead of time. Answers will be provided at the beginning of the class.
This class will be recorded. This Smithsonian Associates class is taught by Barbara Schmidt. Barb Schmidt has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry and a teaching certificate in secondary science. She has been raising orchids for over 17 years, and her orchids have won a variety of awards, including first place ribbons at the Philadelphia Flower Show. She is an active member of the American Orchid Society (AOS) and in 2021 was elected to the AOS Board of Trustees. She is also Vice-Chair of the AOS Education Committee and has spear-headed several projects involving children’s education and orchids. In 2021, Barb received the AOS Certificate of Meritorious Achievement in Orchid Education. Besides maintaining a website at www.basorchidcare.com, Barb is also a regular instructor for the New York Botanical Gardens, the U.S. Botanic Gardens and the Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts Program. In 2019, Barb re-published her first book in color, Orchid Care: For the Beginner Full Color Edition.
